Valerie Hennings, assistant professor of political science, has been named director of Morningside College’s Col. Bud Day Center for Civic Engagement.

Valerie Hennings, assistant professor of political science, has been named director of Morningside College’s Col. Bud Day Center for Civic Engagement. Morningside Provost William Deeds made the announcement of Hennings’ appointment.

Hennings had been serving as the center’s interim director. She will continue to teach political science courses and serve as adviser for the college’s mock trial team and the Morningside Civic Union, a campus organization that promotes awareness of political and social issues.

Hennings received her bachelor’s degree from Morningside in 2001. She has master’s degrees from George Washington University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.     

Morningside opened the Col. Bud Day Center for Civic Engagement in April 2015. The center focuses on activities related to civic awareness and citizenship on campus and the Sioux City area. The center is affiliated with Morningside College’s Department of Economics, Political Science and Sociology.